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Karthik Ravindranath
Karthik Ravindranath

FIFA U-17 WC

Brazil beat Spain in the battle of powerhouses

lincoln-celebrate Lincoln (right) of Brazil celebrates a goal against Spain with team captain Vitao during their group stage match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi | AFP

After a slow start, Brazil turned up the heat to overpower a resilient Spain in the opening match of Group D at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Kochi on October 7. After Brazilian defender Wesley gave the lead to Spain through an own goal, Lincoln and Paulinho scored for Brazil to help them secure a 2-1 victory.

It looked like it was going to be a different story as Spain started brightly and ripped through the Brazilian defence more than once in the opening minutes. Abel Ruiz could not finish after being put through. But in the fifth minute, some great work from number seven Ferran Torres on the right wing paid off. He beat his man and sent in a dangerous low cross which almost found his teammate Mohamed Moukhliss. Brazilian right-back Wesley had no choice but to intervene and was unfortunate to see the ball go into the back of his own net.

Brazil struggled to get back into the game in the minutes following the goal and looked like they were in for a tough night. But soon, a mistake from Spain gifted the ball to Paulinho just outside the box. He raced in and hit a powerful low shot, which the Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez parried but only as far as Lincoln. The Flamengo striker, however, failed to put it into an almost open net.

Lincoln, however, continued to make probing runs, using his powerful frame to bully the Spanish defence. Brenner also impressed on the left wing curving a beautiful shot just wide. Number 10 Alan, too, stepped up, cutting through the Spanish defence with absurd ease. But his shot hit the side netting. Now, Brazil were totally dominating the game and they got the equalising goal they deserved in the 25th minute. Lincoln made up for his earlier miss by finishing from close range after a cross from the left wing hit a Spanish defender’s shin and fell into his path.

Spain's woes continued as 10 minutes later, first-choice right back Mateu Jaume got injured and had to be replaced by Victor Perea. Torres continued to impress on Spain’s right wing but the same cannot be said about his teammates. Captain Abel Ruiz did not see much of the ball in the first half after his early chance.

Brazil claimed the lead in the stoppage time of the first half when Paulinho latched on to Marcos Antonio’s fine through ball and beat Spain goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez with a rising finish. Brazil enjoyed 64 per cent possession in the first half and looked like they had the game in their kitty at the break.

However, Spain started the second half with intent, pushing the Brazilians on to the back foot immediately. They forced as many as 10 corner kicks in the second half, but Brazil defended stoutly. Spain's best opportunity fell to number 10 Sergio Gomez in the 56th minute. But the Barcelona midfielder was denied by Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao. 

The South Americans strengthened their defence by bringing in centre-backs Matheus Stockl—a direct switch with starter Lucas Halter— and Rodrigo Guth in place of midfielder Victor Bobsin. This reshuffle saw captain Vitao, whose exceptional defending had denied Spain many an opportunity, step into midfield. The young leader looked equally at ease as a midfield general.

Brazil had a third goal, scored by Stockl, disallowed for a foul inside the Spanish penalty area.

As Brazil focused on defence, Spain went into overdrive in attack. Forwards Jose Lara and Pedro Ruiz were introduced. And though they continued to push till the last second, they could not find an equaliser. Brazil suffered an injury setback as Brenner had to be replaced with the lively Vitinho.

At the post-match press conference, Brazilian coach Carlos Amadeu said that they felt as if they were playing a home game due to the great support they received. The stadium was decked in yellow and Brazil supporters went all out to cheer their team—though the official attendance figure of 21,362 is low by Kochi standards.

Spain coach Santiago Denia praised his team’s performance. “We performed well in the second half but could not take advantage of the set-pieces. We will work on that.” He said the team will look to improve against Korea DPR and Niger.

Brazil face Korea DPR, while Spain meet Niger in their next group games on October 10.

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